Kukla's Korner Hockey

Dick Pound, chairman of the World Anti-Doping Agency, believes as many as one-third of the NHL's 700 players may be taking some form of performance-enhancing drug.
"I spoke with Gary (NHL commissioner Gary Bettman) and he said 'We don't have the problem in hockey,'" Pound said Thursday in an interview with the London Free Press. "I told him he does. You wouldn't be far wrong if you said a third (of hockey players are gaining some pharmaceutical assistance)."
Asked if he meant performing-enhancing drugs, Pound replied "Yes."

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly has taken exception to comments by Dick Pound, president of the World Anti-Doping Agency, suggesting as many as one-third of the NHL's 700 players may take some form of performance-enhancing substance.
"I find it troubling, to say the least, that he would find it necessary to comment on something he has absolutely no knowledge of.
Perhaps Mr. Pound would be better served to limit his comments to topics as to which he has knowledge, instead of speculating on matters as to which he has none."

Saskin also bristled at Pound's statement.
"Dick Pound's comments are incredibly irresponsible and have no basis in fact," said Saskin. "He has no knowledge of our sport and our players and frankly has no business making such comments."